LUCAS Walshaw reckons pre-season training under Bulls boss Jimmy Lowes will be “torture” – but he is up for the challenge.

Lowes’ new-look squad begin their preparations for the 2015 campaign with their first phase of training next week.

Walshaw is aware of the intensity of Lowes’ approach and is prepared for a flogging when pre-season gets underway.

The strapping centre or second-rower, a close-season signing from Wakefield, said: “I’ve heard the stories about Jimmy and I’m expecting a tough pre-season.

“He’s told us to bring our sleeping bags, so no doubt we will be in for a shock next week!

“It’s going to be torture but it’s all part of the game. It’s no different to what I’m used but it will just be more intense under Jimmy.”

Walshaw has spent the past three years at Wakefield and enjoyed a stint time with his hometown club Dewsbury under former Bulls star Glenn Morrison last term.

He had no problems dropping down into the Championship after talks with Lowes.

Walshaw explained: “In my three seasons of being full-time at Wakefield, I’d say this year was the best I’ve had.

“I had a couple of games at Dewsbury and I knew Morro from coaching the Under-18s at Wakefield, so he was spot on with me.

“I then got a shot in the first-team at Wakey and was playing week in and week out.

“But then Bradford came in and offered me a deal I couldn’t turn down.

“There were talks with Wakefield but I didn’t feel comfortable compared to how I felt after speaking with Jimmy. That persuaded me to come here.”

Walshaw, who has kept himself fit by working with his brother in a Dewsbury gym since the end of the season, is one of several physically imposing new signings.

Karl Davies, Samir Tahraoui and Walshaw all stand well over 6ft.

“There are some very big boys,” said Walshaw, who has signed a two-year deal.

“I’m 6ft 6in and weigh 17st, but next to Samir I look tiny!

“I’ve played centre, second row and prop at Wakey but my last few games there were in the centre and I enjoyed it.

“I think my role will be second row at Bradford and it will be tough but that’s what you want.

“We’ve got to fight for our position anyway and that’s what pre-season is all about – coping with the pressure and getting a place in his starting line-up.

“Everyone is competing for a place and it’s going to be a fight to get into the side.”